F1 news: Testing resumes in Spain ahead of Australian opener

Colin and James Beckett

F1 cars have been back on-track again this week at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain where pre-season testing resumed with teams and drivers taking part in the second group test of 2016. A

fter a very solid opening test last week, the Brackley-based Mercedes AMG Petronas team stepped up a gear on Tuesday when Nico Rosberg topped the test timesheets following a high-speed qualifying-style run in the new W07 Mercedes.

The German said: “The car has massive potential and after a very productive first four days in action last week, we are beginning to see the true potential of our car ahead of the first race.”

Last year’s world champion, Lewis Hamilton, was also in action, saying: “I believe this car is better than the car that took us to the title last year.”

Nico Hulkenberg (pictured) was trusted with the continued development of the VJM09-Mercedes, the new Sahara Force India car.

Driving for the Silverstone-based team, Hulkenberg said: “We are going through the usual learning process with a new car and we have been able to undertake long runs to see how the tyres work on the car. Things look good so far.”

The 2016 FIA F1 World Championship season starts on March 20 in Australia.